A COMMITTEE has been established to look at large building developments in Harrow has been set up.

The Major Developments Panel will look at future projects such as a redevelopment of Harrow Leisure Centre, the new Harrow Civic Centre, and large scale buildings planned for the town centre.

The committee has been established by the Labour administration following long-standing criticism of the previous Tory administration for not having strategic direction, particularly around Harrow Town Centre.

Also likely to come before the panel in the coming months and years is redevelopment of the former Gayton Road Library site and any plans submitted for the Kodak site in Wealdstone.

Establishing the committee last night, planning supremo Councillor Keith Ferry said: “We felt there had to be somewhere for the portfolio holders for money, environment, development, and property came together and considered places like the civic centre and Kodak.”

Councillor Bill Stephenson, leader of the council who long agitated in opposition for such a committee, added: “This is something that is quite dear to my heart, and I hope it makes a difference to Harrow.” Cllrs Stephenson and Ferry will sit on the committee alongside cabinet colleagues Cllr Phil O'Dell (Environment) and Cllr Thaya Idaikkadar (Major Contacts and Property).

They will be joined by Tories Susan Hall, Barry MacLeod-Cullinane, and Tory Ferrari.